Rockets report: Howard, Beverley getting back up to speed

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While holding out five regulars against New Orleans, the Rockets gave Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones and Pat Beverley playing time to not only keep working Beverley and Howard back up to speed after missing two weeks, but to work on going against a double-teaming defense in case they see it in the playoffs.

“Myself and Pat, we both felt like we needed a little more conditioning, get our timing back for certain plays,” Howard said. “That was the biggest reason why we needed to play tonight.

Howard was just 1-of-5 shots, ending his night with a corner 3 that missed, to score seven points with four rebounds in 251/2 minutes.

“I wanted to get them some time,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “They were double-teaming Dwight. I wanted to let him play out of the double-teams, pitch it out, let him play-make from the post some. Our guys didn’t get in the right spots sometimes.”

Harden sits out to rest ankle

James Harden remained in Houston for the regular-season finale to treat his sore right ankle, but the Rockets did not consider the problem a serious concern. Harden has treated the ankle throughout the season.

“It’s kind of been something that has bothered him off and one all season,” coach Kevin McHale said. “It’s not a major deal, but it is something we’ve been kind of managing. We wanted to get our spot solidified earlier so we could give him extra time.”

Powell grateful for opportunity

Barely four days after Josh Powell received the call that he had a chance to return to the NBA, Powell joined the Rockets in time for the season-finale and a place on their postseason roster.

Powell had played just two games in the Philippine Basketball Association when the Rockets reversed direction, deciding to use their final roster spot on him, rather than center Dexter Pittman, signed just two days earlier. The Rockets had initially wanted to use the roster spot to work with Pittman and out him through the summer program as a prospect, but chose instead to go with a veteran that could be useful in practices and in the locker room.

“To me, it’s just a blessing,” said Powell, who had four points and five rebounds in 19 minutes just hours after signing. “There really is no other way to describe it. I’m just excited and real happy about the opportunity. It’s a great feeling.”

Later postseason start welcomed

The Rockets were happy to learn that Game 1 of their first-round playoff series would not start until Sunday. With several players treating minor injuries and Pat Beverley and Dwight Howard coming back from more serious injuries, they had hoped for the extra day of preparations.

“I’m glad we play Sunday,” coach Kevin McHale said. “It gives us a good prep day (Thursday), film work and stuff, get the guys in, hard practice on Friday and a short, but hard practice on Saturday.”